Greater
Boston Chamber of Commerce Announces
2021
Annual Meeting & Inductees into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians
The Greater Boston Chamber of
Commerce will
host
its Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The
Chamber’s Annual Meeting, the region’s preeminent business event, will convene
virtually with the theme, “Recovery. Renewal. Renaissance.”
The pandemic and racial reckoning
tested our community, but people throughout Massachusetts demonstrated both the
grit and empathy needed to forge a new beginning. Our present and future demand
the agility that the people of the Commonwealth’s business community are known
to deliver. Chamber members are accelerating the region’s robust economic
recovery with determination and building an equitable future. We are ready to
welcome a bold renaissance – a rebirth and new economy created to amplify all
voices and empower every person, business, and community. Our region’s
revival is our new future.
“Our business community is
forever changed by the pandemic and most recent racial reckoning – we are all
eager for a new future. Together, we are shaping a new beginning that is
powered by equity and agility,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of
the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “During this recovery, the
Commonwealth’s business community will show the country how to infuse equity
into a new, inclusive economy. This year’s Distinguished Bostonians recognize
and drive this work forward, building a better future for all of us.”
“With their celebrated
accomplishments and bold vision, the honorees joining the Academy of
Distinguished Bostonians inspire all of us to build a better, equitable future.
Congratulations to the inductees of the Academy, and thank you for your
tremendous contributions to our region,” said Micho F. Spring, Chair of Weber
Shandwick’s Global Corporate Practice and New England President and Chair of
the Chamber’s Board of Directors.
During the Annual Meeting, the
Chamber inducts illustrious members of the business community into the Academy
of Distinguished Bostonians. Our 2021 Distinguished Bostonians are Kate Walsh,
President and CEO of Boston Medical Center Health System, Paul
S. Grogan, President & CEO of The Boston Foundation, and Melvin B. Miller,
Founder, Editor & Publisher of The Bay State Banner. These Distinguished
Bostonians are dedicated to the revival of our region, actively contributing to
our recovery, renewal, and renaissance. Walsh, Grogan, and Miller join an
exemplary group of Academy members, including business leaders,
philanthropists, elected officials, dignitaries, and sports greats - all with
local and international acclaim.
“I’m
truly honored to receive this recognition, which represents the commitment of
my colleagues at Boston Medical Center Health System, as well as the
organizations we are proud to partner with across the city,” said Kate Walsh,
President and CEO of BMC Health System. “Our partners, like the Greater Boston Chamber
of Commerce, share the goal of lifting our city up by fostering our
interconnectedness in an effort to provide equity and opportunity to all.
Working together, in business, academia, health care, government, and with our
neighborhoods, we can emerge from this historic challenge stronger than ever
before.”
“I am deeply honored to be inducted into the Academy of
Distinguished Bostonians, and to be selected alongside Kate Walsh and Melvin
Miller," said Paul Grogan, President and CEO of the Boston Foundation. “It
has been an honor to work alongside the Chamber and its members to take on some
of the most challenging problems facing Greater Boston. As the region emerges
from the pandemic, we must continue to strive together to embrace equity,
strengthen opportunity and stand for justice and representation for all, if we
are to truly meet this moment and create a stronger city.”
“Boston has become one of the
nation’s most racially and ethnically diverse cities. This strength should
inspire economic innovation in the emerging renaissance,” said Melvin B.
Miller, Founder, Editor & Publisher of The Bay State Banner.
The Greater Boston Chamber’s
2021 Annual Meeting Host Committee is co-chaired by Roxann C. Cooke, Consumer
Bank Regional Director at JPMorgan Chase, and Michael Carson, President of the
combined organization of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Tufts Health Plan. The
Annual Meeting is the Chamber’s signature convening for the region, and one of
the largest gatherings of the Greater Boston business community, attracting
more than 2,000 business, government, and civic leaders whether virtual or in
person. Information to purchase tickets and a list of past honorees are available
online.
